The mother's narcissistic traits related to the childs attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Abstract

Because the narcissistic mother confers risk on the child, this study was an attempt to investigate and reveal the specifics of how the narcissistic mother relates to the development of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in the child. In the first part of the thesis, we explored through the literature the subject of ADHD in children and the narcissistic traits of the mother from different theoretical perspectives and how she can adversely affect the child in the areas of social, emotional, behavioral development. The second part of the thesis was the methodological approach that was supported under clinical framework. The subjects of this study were three Lebanese boys diagnosed with ADHD. The methods that were administered to the children were projective tests, the Family Apperception Test (FAT) and Childrens Apperception Test (CAT), including the observation, and the semi-directed interview with the mothers. On the basis of the results of this research, it can be concluded that the narcissistic mother risks to transmit to her child feelings of insecurity, distress, and emotional problems that can be manifested as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. In sum, the inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsivity symptoms that are commonly seen in the child are related to the way in which he interacts with the narcissistic mother who lacks empathy, warmth, and involvement with her child. Without these keys parenting elements, the childs emotional and behavioral development is at risk.